Senior Research Executive

NielsenIQ; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer intelligence company seeks a Client Solutions Consultant to support Brand and Media clients in their research needs. This role involves project management, client relationship building, and delivering insights through effective data analysis. Ideal candidates will have a postgraduate degree and relevant experience in research, with strong communication and project management skills. Join a flexible work environment and make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Volunteer time off

LinkedIn Learning

Employee-Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• 3-4 years work experience at a research agency.
• Minimum 1 year experience on an SRE level.
• Proven project management skills with ownership of logistics and timelines.
• Analytical ability with proven numeracy skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, aligning solutions to business challenges.
• Manage projects from brief through execution and analysis.
• Prepare and deliver presentations linking findings to research objectives.
• Mentor junior staff and build strong client relationships.

Skills

Effective Communication

Team Orientation

Multitasking Ability

Deadline & Pressure Management

Leadership Skills

Commitment to Excellence

Customer Service Orientation

Initiative & Accountability

Strategic Thinking

Education

Postgraduate Degree in Marketing, Business, Commerce, Psychology, Sociology, or Economics

Job description

Job Description

Purpose of the Role:

The Client Solutions Consultant is a part of NIQ’s Strategic Analytics and Insights (SA&I) team responsible for the SSA region. The role is to be a trusted adviser to our Brand and Media customers, matching SA&I solutions to the clients’ key business questions.

The Client Solutions Consultant plays a pivotal support role in ensuring the smooth execution of research projects from commissioning to final presentation. In addition to project management, the SRE is expected to build strong working relationships with clients, contribute meaningfully to meetings, and occasionally present findings. As an independent team member, the SRE also mentors junior staff and actively develops their own technical expertise under the guidance of a Senior Research Manager.

Key Performance Indicators

Client Service & Relationship Management

• Deliver consistent, high-quality support to clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships, ensuring client needs are understood and met.
• Attend client presentations with senior team members, take notes, implement feedback, and present when appropriate.

Project Management

• Manage projects from initial brief through fieldwork and analysis.
• Monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure smooth execution.
• Track time spent on tasks and manage administrative responsibilities effectively.

Research Design & Execution

• Develop research materials including questionnaires, briefing documents, tab specs, and PowerPoint-based analysis.
• Ensure all outputs are aligned with research objectives and meet quality standards.
• Maintain high standards of presentation aesthetics and professionalism.

Insight Generation & Reporting

• Conduct first-level analysis and begin incorporating strategic insights.
• Interpret data and develop actionable recommendations.
• Prepare and deliver presentations that clearly link findings to research objectives.
• Participate in team analysis forums to broaden perspectives and ensure quality.

Quality Assurance Across Research Process

• Ensure accuracy and consistency across all stages including sample design, fieldwork monitoring, data checking, charting and analysis.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative team culture.
• Set and uphold standards of excellence across all deliverables.
• Collaborate effectively across teams to drive performance and innovation.

Professionalism & Organizational Performance

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and organizational effectiveness.
• Contribute positively to team dynamics and overall client satisfaction.

Technical Competencies for High Performance

Effective Communication

• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, showing respect and professionalism in interactions with colleagues and clients at all levels.

Team Orientation

• Values collaboration and contributes positively to team dynamics, fostering a supportive and productive work environment.

Multitasking Ability

• Manages multiple tasks and priorities efficiently, maintaining focus and quality under pressure.

Deadline & Pressure Management

• Works effectively within tight timelines and remains composed in high-pressure situations.

Leadership Skills

• Exhibits leadership qualities, including guiding junior team members, taking initiative, and setting a positive example.

Commitment to Excellence

• Maintains high standards across all aspects of work, with a strong attention to detail and quality.

Customer Service Orientation

• Prioritizes client satisfaction by being responsive, proactive, and solution-focused.

Initiative & Accountability

• Takes ownership of tasks and responsibilities, demonstrating reliability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Strategic Thinking

• Applies strategic insight to enhance the value of research outputs, contributing to more impactful and actionable results.

Experience & Qualification Requirements

• Postgraduate Degree in relevant field (Marketing, Business or Commerce, Psychology, Sociology, Economics)
• 3-4 years work experience at a Research agency
• Minimum 1 year experience on an SRE level
• Experience in tracking and adhoc research
• Solid understanding of research methodologies and eagerness to learn unfamiliar ones.
• Branding experience and knowledge will be an advantage as would an FMCG background
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy (oversee the production and delivery of quality outputs at all times)
• Proven project management skills with ownership of logistics and timelines
• Analytical ability with proven numeracy skills
• Effective self management, managing projects with minimal supervision

Additional Information

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee‑Assistance‑Program (EAP)

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion